The “color complex” phenomenon has existed in our communities for years with heated opinions on both sides of the spectrum. Recently, the talk has veered into pop culture territory with the reigning perception that brown and dark-skinned women have a hard time excelling in the music business. Dawn Richards recently added her two cents to the conversation in an interview with Carlton Jordan. She added a new layer to the discussion, saying it’s especially hard to be brown-skinned with short hair and an edgy sense of style:

“It was a difficult road being this color and having the edge that I have: the short hair, the vibe. […] I would like to represent for those girls who people say nah, you can’t be edgy and brown and have a new sound and make it big.”

See the video below:

Do you agree with Dawn’s comments? Is the public more accepting of brown-skinned women with conventional beauty rather than unique and edgy looks?

Yes I do agree with Dawn 100 %, being a brown skinned girl myself I do feel that people don’t want to accept a brown skin chick being edgy. I’m actually a producer and dj and I’m trying to break into the game and this issue has came across my mind several times, I appreciate Dawn representing for us brown skinned girls, it inspires me to push harder to make it

Jaslene

Dawn is telling that truth. Dark-skinned WOMEN and edgy for many is like oil and water it just doesn’t mix. I appreciate edginess and admire my dark-skinned sistern when they decide to represent that lifestyle. I wish more women would just stop worrying about how others view them and just be themselves.